Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality, knowledge, and values through a critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs. The study of logic, ethics, metaphysics and the history of philosophy provides a means of assimilating, systematizing, and evaluating information and the development of philosophical insights. The study of philosophy is valuable for students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and particularly in law, theology, and education. Philosophy courses satisfy general education requirements for an associate degree, a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in humanities, and lower division transfer. The Honors Program includes one philosophy course: PHIL 106H Introduction to Philosophy - Honors.

Demonstrate understanding of philosophical issues and vocabulary using college level vocabulary and proper grammar, for purposes of successfully navigating a transferable level course.

Demonstrate ability to read analytically and critically use college level vocabulary and proper grammar, for purposes of successfully navigating a transferable level course.

Discriminate between controversial and non-controversial claims using college level vocabulary and proper grammar, to show awareness of the need for a reasoned support of any controversial claim.

Use the terminology of logical analysis or other argumentative skills to evaluate philosophical arguments in order to formulate a well-reasoned philosophical thesis, and to demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Develop tolerance and respect for religious and philosophical views different from one’s own by showing awareness of possible objections to one’s own view using college level vocabulary and proper grammar.

Read original philosophical texts from a wide range of the history of philosophy, to show understanding of major philosophical issues appropriate to a transferable course.

State a philosophical thesis clearly, support it with arguments and examples, and anticipate and respond to reasonable objections using college level vocabulary and proper grammar, in order to show the ability to formulate a well-reasoned philosophical thesis.

Apply methods of formal logical analysis to test the validity of argument to show understanding of the value of formal methods appropriate to a transferable critical thinking course.

Become acquainted with the rich variety of religious traditions using college level vocabulary and proper grammar, to show ability to operate in a global environment of diverse traditions.

This is a degree-applicable introductory level course for honors students. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level, which includes strong critical thinking skills, thorough analysis of philosphical writings, and presentation skills as demonstrated by leading a seminar discussion.

A study of selected works in ancient philosophy in the Western tradition, including the Presocratics, the Sophists, Socrates and Plato, Aristotle, and some Greek and Roman philosophers after Aristotle.

A study of the philosophical issues connected with classical theism, such as the concept of God, arguments for the existence of God, the nature of God, the problem of evil, and concepts of the afterlife.

A course concentrating on formal logic, including both sentential and predicate logic, methods of symbolization and proof. Differs from PHIL 110 in omitting informal logic and going further in the study of formal logic. Previous completion of PHIL 110 not required.